The Indian River Lagoon could soon be getting cleaner.
The lagoon continues to deal with problems, from dead dolphins to fish kills to algae blooms. And now, state and local leaders are hoping to change the way they handle lagoon issues by restructuring the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program.
The plan, which would provide more money per year to clean up the lagoon, is currently being considered by state and local leaders.
"The faster we can respond, the more money we can get into the system, the more we can engage our community and the more we can act as a lagoonwide watershed, the more effective it’s going to be," said Leesa Souto, of the Marine Resources Council.
The interlocal agreement would give more of those at stake a say in the lagoon's future. In exchange, the five counties on the lagoon, including Brevard and Volusia counties, two water management districts and state and federal environmental agencies, would contribute a combined $2 million for lagoon research and projects — like dredging and oyster restoration.
Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, said some kind of reorganization is needed, but there may be pushback.
"There's a little resistance of creating another layer of government with all the things that go along with that," Altman said,
Supporters of the restructuring said it would be better than it currently is, noting that bureaucratic paperwork slows down action to clean up the lagoon.
"Respond quickly to the changes that we're seeing in the lagoon," Souto said.
Two water management districts signed off on the plan last week. An advisory board meets later this month to review the proposed agreement.
The five counties, like Brevard County, still have to get on board with the plan.